A meeting chaired by Maronite Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi in Bkirki failed to find a solution to the standoff caused by the government's insistence on executing the high-voltage power lines project in Mansourieh despite the resident's staunch objection.

The meeting was attended by Kataeb leader Samy Gemayel, MP Elias Hankache, Energy Minister Nada Boustani, director of Electricite du Liban Kamal Hayek, as well as representatives of the residents.

According to a statement issued by the Maronite Patriarchate following the meeting, the participants condemned the confrontations that erupted between the residents and security forces over the past two days, stressing the need to immediately ease tensions between the two sides.

The statement called for a solution that would ensure the implementation of the government's electricity plan to serve the best interest of all the Lebanese, while making sure that the fears and concerns of the Metn residents are addressed and alleviated.

Patriarch Al-Rahi will continue following up on this case with the energy minister, the statement concluded.

Kataeb MP Elias Hankache said that the no agreement was reached during the meeting, adding that the patriarch pledged to carry out contacts aimed at easing tensions on the ground.

Mukhtar of Roumieh, who also attended the meeting, said that Boustani has rejected the Kataeb party's proposal to form a neutral committee of experts who would assess the health risks of the project, adding that she argued that the Energy Ministry has already conducted all the needed studies for this plan.

The only solution that Boustani put forth during the meeting is to buy the apartments of the affected residents as the plan will go on as it is, LBCI channel quoted knowledgeable sources as saying.